United make their return to the UEFA's top table on Tuesday night, 644 days after their last involvement in European football's No1 club competition.

The Red Devils finished just sixth last season but won the Europa League final to seal their return to the Champions League, having had to sit it out twice in the last three years.

And keeper De Gea revealed how Jose Mourinho's players found it tough watching the tournament on TV last term as they prepared for Thursday night action in the Europa League.

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“It was hard to watch Champions League games on TV,” admitted De Gea. “For a club like Manchester United not to be in those games it was hard.

“But now we're back and we're motivated to win Champions League games and to bring the Champions League back to Old Trafford for the fans. To do that, we need to play our best football in these games.

“It's good to be back in the Champions League, especially at Old Trafford. It's almost two years without a Champions League game at home.

“We have a high level of motivation and we want to show that on the pitch. It's another step, for us to play at the highest level, in the Champions League with the best teams in Europe.

“To win the Champions League, we know, is really difficult, but I think our team is now is really good.

“There are strong teams in England — and really strong teams in Spain.

“It's true that in England we never have a break and December and January are tough moments for English teams. We have many games and it's difficult to be ready for the Champions League games. But the level is more of less the same.

“Spanish teams are in a good moment but in England, especially Manchester United, are one of the best teams in the world.”

De Gea was forced to watch United's winning Europa League campaign from the bench, as Mourinho placed his faith in No.2 Sergio Romero.

No2 keeper Romero played United's last 11 Europa League games — including the final (Image: Man Utd/Getty)

But the manager has confirmed De Gea will start against Swiss visitors Basel on Tuesday and remain his first-choice for the Champions League campaign, on the back of his fine start to the season.

De Gea made an outstanding save from Jese in the 2-2 draw at Stoke on Saturday and revealed he wants to be seen as the world's best keeper.

“I always want to be the best,” he said. "I try hard to improve every day in training, so I work really hard to be the best keeper in the world. I don't know who the best is at the moment, but this is what I want - to be the best. I don't know if it [the save from I've made great saves all my career, but it was a good one.”

England international Smalling is set for his first United start since pre-season... (Image: AFP)